On Saturday, one of the top pound for pound boxers on the planet returns to the ring. Vasiliy Lomachenko steps between the ropes for just the second time since losing his title belt to Timefeo Lopez to take on former champion Richard Commey. The twelve round bout is the only of the six we discuss that’s not for a title. Check out Boxing Odds, analysis and a free pick for Lomachenko versus Commey as well as analysis and picks for five terrific title fights.
Loma Against Commey Highlights a Great Saturday of Action
Top Boxing Events
- When: Saturday, Dec. 11
Dimitry Bivol -1800 vs Umar Salamov +900 | WBA Light Heavyweight Title
18-0 champion Bivol faces a tough challenger in 26-1 Umar Salamov. Bivol is extremely skilled. But he hasn’t knocked out an opponent since 2018, winning his last 5 via unanimous decision.
Salamov is a giant, 6’ 3 ½” with a 76” reach. He towers over the 6’ 0” Bivol. Not only that, but 19 of Salamov’s 26 wins have come via TKO or KO. The underdog has a better shot than the odds indicate.
Boxing Pick: Umar Salamov
Firuza Sharipova +1000 vs Katie Taylor -2000 | WBA/WBO/IBF Lightweight Women’s Titles
Sharipova is 15-1 with 14 knockout victories. She’s one of those tough boxers from Kazakhstan who never give up and hit with power.
But although Sharipova is a good boxer, she battles one of the best pound for pound women fighters on the planet.
Katie Taylor is 19-0. Taylor has just 6 wins via TKO or KO. There’s no doubt, though, that the champ has fought much tougher opponents than the underdog challenger. The champ should easily win via decision.
Boxing Pick: Katie Taylor
Jayson Mama +275 vs Sunny Edwards -350 | IBF Flyweight Title
Flyweight title holder Sunny Edwards has won 16 times and lost zero. The record is great for sure. But Edwards shows just a single TKO win in his last 8 bouts.
Not only that, but Edwards has won just 4 fights via TKO or KO. Jayson Mama is also 16-0. He has shown more power in recent fights than Edwards has, winning 2-of-4 via knockout. The Philippines born challenger can get it done.
Boxing Pick: Jayson Mama
John Riel Casimero -2000 vs Paul Butler +1000 | WBO Bantamweight Title
The well-known Casimero is 31-4 with 21 KO victories. Casimero is on a 7-match winning streak. He beat the great Guillermo Rigondeaux in his last via split-decision.
Challenger Paul Butler is 33-2 with 15 knockout wins. Butler has fought almost exclusively in England, which should put him at a huge disadvantage in this. Casimero wins. The champ might even win via knockout.
Boxing Pick: John Riel Casimero
Reymart Gaballo +300 vs Nonito Donaire -380 | WBC Bantamweight Title
Gaballo versus Donaire should be a fantastic bout. Both are Filipino boxers who have built impressive records.
Gaballo is 24-0 with 24 wins via TKO or KO. Donaire is 41-6 with 27 victories via TKO or KO. The favorite has the experience edge. The underdog has youth on his side.
Which wins out on Saturday? Youth should prevail. Donaire has a lot of tread on the tires while Gaballo is just getting started.
Boxing Pick: Reymart Gaballo
Richard Commey +780 vs Vasiliy Lomachenko -1160 | 12 Rounds – Lightweights
At this weight class, Commey has length, height, and power advantages over Vasiliy. Lomachenko is the much better boxer, but Commey could make it very difficult for Vasyl to get close enough to land punches.
Don’t expect a repeat of Loma’s impressive win against Nakatani. Commey will use his jab to set up his fantastic right cross. Lomachenko knows this, though, so it’s difficult to see Commey winning the fight.
However, at the odds, the challenger is an overlay. Even though Lomachenko should grab the win, we can’t help but back Commey. He should be no worse than a +450 underdog. So at +780, it’s worth a bite.
Boxing Pick: Richard Commey